Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) has assured customers that the immediate future of services on the Clyde and to the Outer Hebrides are secure in terms of continuity of fuel supply. The company has confirmed that any changes to service provision which could be implemented will help ensure that fuel stocks and efficiency are maximised in the face of the ongoing fuel supply uncertainty.

 
The company has said that while it hopes that industrial action will not impact on CalMac services, it is taking all possible measures to secure continuity of fuel supplies and taking prudent contingency measures to prepare for a number of potential scenarios.

 
CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “We will endeavour to keep our customers and stakeholders fully informed of the current position and any impact changes may have on services. There is currently no need for customers or staff to change existing travel or work patterns although staff are being advised to be as economical as possible. A robust temporary refunds policy will cover any period of service disruption which may take effect in the event of the supply situation becoming a problem. I would, however, encourage customers not to cancel reservations in the interim, as we are confident that we will be able to maintain continuous services for some time, albeit some of them may be at a reduced level to help maximise our stocks. Having said that, it is worth pointing out that some of our larger vessels such as MV Hebrides and MV Clansman are operated with a different grade of fuel, which is not supplied from Grangemouth, and would be largely unaffected by the shortages directly”.

 
Operations Director Phil Preston said: “We will maintain a full service as long as possible and we hope that industrial action will not impact on our operation; we are taking measures to secure fuel supplies. If action is taken, we will put in place contingency measures to prepare for a range of possible scenarios. We are confident that we have sufficient stocks in hand, for us to be able to ensure that the published services will be maintained to all islands going forward. Customers should be assured that no communities will be left without a reasonable level of lifeline services."

 
CalMac will continue to use the company website www.calmac.co.uk, notices, announcements and the media to disseminate as much information as possible.

 
Meanwhile, customers are reminded that Dangerous Goods (including flammable substances such as petrol, LPG etc.) are only carried by prior arrangement and in accordance with strict Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations and must be declared at least 24 hours in advance to the port of departure.  Spare cans of fuel such as petrol or diesel shall not be carried.  Caledonian MacBrayne reserves the right to inspect any vehicle presented for shipment.
 

Ends

For all enquiries about the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Communications Director, Caledonian MacBrayne. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited.

Issued:  Wednesday, April 23, 2008 : 1600